DE of the Dallas Cowboys Marshawn Kneeland According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, he avoided a serious injury on Sunday night but still faces surgery.

“Sources: #Cowboys DE Marshawn Kneeland avoided a serious injury Sunday night, according to sources,” Schultz wrote on Twitter. “No cruciate ligament tear. But there is a lateral meniscus tear and Dr. Cooper will fix it tomorrow, according to sources. But overall, great news. Could have been a lot worse.”

Kneeland was carted to the locker room during the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

During the broadcast, NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark updated his status.

“Mike, you mentioned that the Cowboys came to Pittsburgh without their top two pass rushers,” Stark began. “And now an injury to another defensive player. We saw Marshawn Kneeland. The athletic trainer checks the stability of his right knee. He spent some time in the medical tent. And then he was helped onto a cart without putting any weight on his right leg. Grimacing. Official statement from the team: It is questionable whether he has a knee injury.”

Marshawn Kneeland is reportedly facing surgery

Kneeland left the game early in the first quarter. The Cowboys were already without their top three pass rushers: Micah Parsons, DeMarcus LawrenceAnd Sam Williams.

Kneeland was a second-round pick (No. 56 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft West Michigan by the Cowboys in April.

Over the course of five seasons, Kneeland totaled 148 tackles, 80 solo tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, three pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

A member of the 2019 class, Kneeland was a three-star recruit out of Grand Rapids (Mich.) Godwin Heights Senior, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that takes into account all four major recruiting media companies. He was ranked No. 70 overall in the state, No. 240 EDGE in the class and No. 2,774 overall in the class.